Breed-specific legislation is a law that prohibits or restricts the possession of a particular dog breed that has been determined as dangerous due to its propensities for aggressive and violent behavior. According to, the legislation had its origins during the 1980’s, after multiple attacks, injuries, and fatalities occasioned by certain breeds were reported. Most of victims were children and teenagers, and occasionally, adults. For example ….These attacks forced public officials, to develop more stringent laws governing dog restraint particularly on breeds related to the attacks. According to the Dogsbite.com, there are 36 states and 937 cities in the United States that implement Breed-Specific Laws. ASPCA reported that regulated breeds typically comprise the “pit bull” class of dogs, including American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and English Bull Terriers. Also, depending on the city or state, there might be restrictions on breeds such as German Sheppard, Doberman, Bull Mastiff, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chows, Rottweilers, or any breed that resembles these type of dogs.
According to ASPCA, there is no evidence that breed-specific laws make communities safer for people or companion animals.
Breed-specific legislation
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When animal control resources are solely directed towards the regulation and prohibition of a breed, law enforcement officials centralize their efforts around capturing and terminating prohibited or restricted breeds rather than enforcing laws that have the best chances of making communities safer. For example: dog license laws, leash laws, anti-animal fighting laws, anti-tethering laws, and neutering and laws that require all owners to control their dogs, regardless of breed. Due to this, fearful owners may be discouraged to follow a veterinary care routine, which can lead to outbreaks of rabies and other diseases that endanger